Weight Distribution and Brake Controller Recommendation for 1997 Ford Ranger

Question:

I am prepping a 1997 Ford Ranger to do moderate flat land towing with a PJ 5x8 single axle dump trailer w 5,200 GVWR. Obviously more capacity than the Ranger is designed for but need to make do for a year or 2 till I purchase a full size 3/4 ton. I have a Hidden Hitch 2inch receiver hitch I bought from you a while back. I would like to have some guidance if possible on appropriate good quality weight distributing hitches for this application. Sway control probably not neccessary as I will not tow at highway speeds. I have installed a Timbrin overload kit and higher capacity rear leaf springs to help with weight control also. I am also in need of a good quality brake controller in universal kit form if possible. I have a decent grasp of wiring so a plug and play unit not required. Decent installation info would be appreciated however. The truck was sort of abused by the previous owner as far as repairs and mods and the rear light wiring needs much attention and clean up. No 4 way connector currently installed but lots of poorly wrapped electrical tape hints that one was attempted at some point maybe. I have one of your HM 40975-11998 7/4 pole connectors on the way I intend to use with a tail light converter from another kit I have from another project. Any information or guidance you can offer is appreciated. Please feel free to ask for clarification of any comments I have made. Thanks Gary

asked by: Gary K

Helpful Expert Reply:

Let's start with the weight distribution and go over what you'll need to know before getting into specific units. The first bit of information you'll need to know is your total tongue weight (TTW), which is the tongue weight of your fully loaded and ready to go PJ trailer plus the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of your 1997 Ford Ranger.

To determine your trailer's loaded tongue weight, you can use a scale such as the etrailer # e99044 or by using one of the methods outlined in the help article on determining tongue weight I've linked for you. From there, simply add on the weight of the cargo behind the rear axle of your vehicle and you'll have your TTW. The ideal system would be one in which your TTW would fall somewhere in the middle of the weight distribution system's tongue weight capacity. For example, if your TTW was 525 lbs a properly rated system would be the Fastway e2 # FA94-00-0600 which is rated for TTW between 400 lbs and 600 lbs.

As for a brake controller since you do not have a 4-way you would first need to install one with harness # 118325. You will also need the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller # ETBC7 which will provide you with a 7-way and the necessary wires to add a brake controller to your Ranger. Please keep in mind that connector # HM40975-11998 is not a fit for your truck and the 4-way and ETBC7 are going to be what you need. I've added a link showing a brake controller being installed for you on a 2001 Ranger which should be helpful.

When it comes to the actual brake controller I recommend checking out the Tekonsha Voyager # 39510 because it will activate your trailer's brakes in proportion to your Ranger's brakes while allowing you to make adjustments for braking power. You will need harness # 20127 to plug into the Voyager and wire into your Ranger. I have linked a number of videos for you to take a look at and also some help articles on brake controllers, including one on installing a brake controller from scratch.